The new multi-use rail trail that will connect Reno, Gardnerville, and Virginia City, Nevada is an exciting project that will offer a range of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The trail will follow the path of the historic Virginia and Truckee railway line, providing a unique and scenic route for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The trail currently exists in incomplete form through Carson City. It connects directly and indirectly to many other regional multi-use and bike trails. When complete, hikers and bikers could take the train to Virginia City and return to Carson City on foot or two wheels. Residents and visitors in Lake Tahoe or Virginia City will be able to ride into Carson City, Minden, or Reno. Riders on the National Pony Express Historic Trail will be able to use the multi-path trail to connect to Reno, Virginia City, and Minden.
An alternate route from the Carson City to the Virginia City Section utilizes the Linear Ditch Trail from Governors Field in the West and to where it connects to a trail following the Carson River in the East via 5th street or a proposed connector. It can be used temporarily as improvements are made to the primary route or permanently as it offers an easier crossing of I-580. However, it does stray farther from the historical V&T alignment.
A proposed bike lane and sidewalk on Washington St will connect users to Ormsby Blvd from Carson St. A requirement for the development of a multi-use path along Ormsby Blvd exists in plans for the road in order to connect the trail to the current V&T Trail in Carson City.
Ultimately, future plans call for the purchasing of the historic Carson City Depot and establishing it as a hub for the V&T trail as well as area transit in general. The revitalization of the building would attract both visitors and trail users.
The planned Carson City Multi-Use Path will become part of the trail when completed. Running north to south along Hwy 395 It will
connect users from the West-Side Multi-Use Path in the south near Appion Way to where bike lanes begin past 5th St in downtown
Carson City.
Portions of a multi-use oath paralleling I-580 has been completed. It will become part of an alternative Carson River Route connecting North Carson City to Bigelow Drive and in the future Minden and Gardnerville.
Until the completion of the Carson City Multi-use trail it is recommended that trail users use the designated bike lanes on either Roop or Curry St to navigate to downtown.